WHEN TO START LOOKING

This is not an easy question to answer! Students look for housing throughout the year, and to balance this ongoing demand, our office receives new listings year-round. New listings and apartments are generally still available in August, but the numbers decrease quickly.

For the best selection, we advise that you arrange a trip to Ithaca in the late spring/early summer. If this is not possible, plan to arrive several days prior to beginning school or work to complete your search. We do not recommend that you rent a place "sight unseen". Written or verbal descriptions may be deceiving.

Off Campus Life Services does not endorse any of the property owners it lists. If you have specific questions about an owner, ask our staff for assistance.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

There are many things to consider before making your final choice. These include the amount of rent you can afford, the amount of rent required up front, whether a security deposit is required, if you need a furnished or unfurnished unit, and whether utilities are included (heating can be quite expensive in Ithaca). Other things to consider include the availability of free parking, whether the price and space is included in your rent, and the proximity to a bus line (if you do not own a car), and to other conveniences such as grocery stores, laundry facilities, and banks.

You should also think about whether you want to live alone or share a living situation with others. If you want to share, how many roommates are you willing to have live with you? Think about issues of compatibility and living with others.

Before moving into your new rental home, please make sure you have your belongings protected. Landlords and property owners are not responsible for your personal property. Therefore, check into purchasing renters insurance or see if you are currently covered under a parent's homeowner's policy. You will be glad you did in the event of an unforeseen circumstance.

WHAT IS A LEASE?

A lease is a legal agreement establishing a landlord/tenant relationship. It is a binding document that you cannot break. If you find a less expensive apartment later, or decide not to come to Cornell, these are NOT valid reasons to your landlord for breaking the lease.

Before signing anything, make sure you understand and agree to it, and that it states everything to which you have agreed. It is a good idea to do a "walk through" with the landlord to determine the condition of the living area, and to note in writing, any dings, holes, etc. This will assist you when you move out, because damages not noted at the time of move-in may be charged against your security deposit. Verbal agreements will not be binding if there is a written lease. Leases can be complicated, so ask our staff to review it with you. A fact sheet regarding leases and what to be aware of is available through our office or our website.

HOUSING COSTS AND CONSIDERATIONS

The price range depends on proximity to campus (the closer to campus the higher the rent), size of unit (generally, studios and one-bedrooms are more expensive per person than larger units), quality of unit, whether utilities are included or not, if it is furnished or unfurnished, and the general demand for the building.

Another factor to consider is the length of the lease. Generally, places are rented for twelve months. Subletting is usually permitted, but more tenants are trying to sublet in the summer than there are new renters available. Receiving full rent for your sublet is unusual, and you may need to absorb some of the cost. Keep in mind that subletting is not guaranteed. If you do not find a subtenant, you are responsible for the summer rent.

Shorter leases do exist. Although more difficult to find, you may be fortunate and find a ten-month lease, but your rent per month may be higher than a twelve-month lease.

If you arrive late in the summer and are looking for a place to live, try to negotiate with the property owner. He/She may be willing to strike a bargain at that time.

TYPES OF HOUSING AVAILABLE

There are a variety of housing options available in the Ithaca community. Personal tastes and preferences will play a role in what is ideal for you. These are reflected in our listings. Apartment complexes are residential structures with a large number of units. Many are relatively new and modern and can be found throughout Ithaca and the surrounding areas.

Depending on location, some areas are geared toward undergraduate/graduate students, while others have a mix of nonstudents, professionals, and families. Subdivided houses were originally large single-family houses later converted to apartments. The large variety in this category makes it difficult to be specific.

Single-unit houses are freestanding units rented by groups of students and/or families. Again, the variety gives people many options from which to choose. Rooms and shares are situations where people are looking for a house-mate, apartment-mate, a private house with rooms for rent, or a rooming house. It is important to look closely at the particulars of each.

NEIGHBORHOOD DYNAMICS

Different from the experience of residence-hall life, living off campus offers the opportunity to belong to an even larger, more diverse, local community. Throughout the academic year, the Ithaca area is home to about 24,000 students from Cornell and Ithaca College. Students and residents must work together to make this diverse community run smoothly. Ithaca has much to offer its people and, as citizens, we are all encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities.

There are many neighborhoods to choose from in the area. Often, students prefer the Collegetown area, which is like a miniature city where shopping, restaurants, and services are all available. Its convenient location (right off campus) makes it extremely popular with those who want to be within walking distance of campus, but rents tend to be higher as a result. East Hill covers a large area bordering Cornell. This is a popular area for graduate students and families, as well as some undergraduates.

Cayuga Heights, Lansing/Triphammer, and the Northeast are other popular areas that are residential, offer shopping plazas, restaurants, and apartment complexes. Many graduate students and families find these areas ideal because of their convenient proximity (1-4 miles) to the university. Although bus service is available, many find it useful to own a car. Other areas nearby may be explored as well.

Finally, remember that when you rent, you enter into a legal contract not only with the property owner, but also a social contract with your neighbors. Many students choose to live in residential neighborhoods to enjoy close proximity to Cornell and the advantages of city living. Please keep in mind that you may be living in a diverse neighborhood consisting of professional people, families with children, and elderly people. Please help preserve the qualities that make these neighborhoods attractive to all residents.

A FINAL WORD

Our office functions in a resource and advisory capacity for tenants and property owners. We can answer questions about the area, review your lease prior to signing, and advise you on a variety of tenant matters that may concern you. Please be aware that we can NOT make rental arrangements, negotiate contracts, or litigate on behalf of tenants.

INFORMATION

GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR HOUSING SEARCH!